InfoAnda - What's in health care proposals for 5 Americans

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Gunmen fire at Pakistani police office in Lahore | 15 October 2009
India court to deliver verdict on Mumbai attack suspect | 3 May 2010
Indian car sales surge 61%: industry | 8 December 2009

China reach in focus at U.S.- Philippine security talks | | 29 April 2012

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : What's in health care proposals for 5 Americans

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail More Yahoo! Services Account Options New User? Sign Up Sign In Help Yahoo! Search web search Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Africa Europe Latin America Middle East North America What's in health care proposals for 5 Americans By CARLA K. JOHNSON,AP Medical Writer - Sunday, December 20 Send IM Story Print As Congress gets closer to a final health care bill, many Americans want to know: What's in it for me? The answer is: It depends. On your age and household income. Whether you own a business and whether it's big or small. Whether you're insured now and who provides that insurance. In the end, it will depend on how House and Senate negotiators will merge the proposals, and how their vision gets translated into regulations. Five Americans shared their stories with The Associated Press. Here's an educated guess on how the health care package taking shape in Congress might affect them. ___ Name: Holly Brown Home: Round Lake, Ill. Age: 28 Employment: Student, working part time, receiving unemployment benefits. Household income: about $15,000. Coverage: Insured, but struggling to afford it. Brown was laid off last year from a job she'd held for four years. She's stayed insured because of the government COBRA program, which allows workers to remain on a health plan for 18 months after they leave their jobs, if they pay the premiums. Brown works part time and studies medical imaging at College of Lake County. She has a chronic lung condition and was in the emergency room in November with flu and pneumonia. She's paid about $1,000 in medical bills this year that her insurance didn't cover. She doesn't know how she'll pay her $500 premium this month because a government subsidy that helped her afford the premium has expired. "It's scary to think about what's going to happen if I can't make the payment by the end of the month," Brown said. The health care overhaul taking shape in Congress would require her to buy health insurance or pay a penalty. She could pick a plan offered through new state-based insurance exchanges and she would qualify for a subsidy to help pay her premiums because she makes less than 400 percent of the poverty level ($43,320 for an individual in 2009). But all those benefits wouldn't kick in until 2013 in the House bill (2014 in the Senate legislation). Because of her medical problem, she may be able to qualify for coverage during the transition period by going through high-risk insurance pools called for in the legislation. ___ Name: Glenn Nishimura Home: Little Rock, Ark. Age: 60 Employment: Consultant to nonprofit groups. Household income: $55,000, including wife's earnings. Coverage: Uninsured since COBRA expired in May. Nishimura left a full-time job with benefits in October 2007 thinking he'd be able to find another good position. Then the recession hit. He's now a self-employed consultant. Since May, he's been without health insurance. For 18 months, he bought insurance through the COBRA program. When that ran out, he tried to find other coverage. He's been turned down by five insurance companies because he has high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels, even though he's otherwise healthy, has never been hospitalized and controls his conditions through diet and exercise. "I could get H1N1 or get into an accident and I would be potentially bankrupt," Nishimura said. "It's an untenable situation." The Medicare buy-in proposal considered in the Senate could have helped Nishimura get insurance, as would portions of both the House and Senate bills that would ban denials for pre-existing conditions. But opposition from moderates and a few liberals is forcing Senate Democratic leaders to scrap the idea of a buy-in to get a bill completed. Nishimura said he e-mailed President Barack Obama suggesting that lowering the Medicare eligibility age to 55 or 60 would create jobs. "I know a lot of people who would like to retire early, but can't because of health care," he said. ____ Name: David W. Brown Home: Philadelphia Age: 47 Employment: Owner of BrownPartners, an advertising and marketing agency. Seven employees. $336,000 in annual wages paid. Household income: $150,000, including wife's earnings. Coverage: Provides health, dental and vision coverage to employees. An ad agency owner, Brown has been able to offer health insurance to his seven employees, but has had to cut benefits because of rising costs. Like other business owners, Brown is trying to figure out what will emerge from Congress and how it will affect him. "We haven't been able to be as generous as we have in the past," Brown said of the insurance plan he offers his workers. "The good thing is, not a lot of folks are leaving because somebody else has a better plan." Health care overhaul might help Brown and his wife with coverage for their daughters, now age 17 and 20. The proposals would allow young adults to stay on their parents' insurance plans as dependents into their mid-20s. Brown would be able to shop for insurance for his workers through a health insurance exchange. Neither of the bills would require him to provide coverage. Both bills provide tax credits to help small companies with average wages of less than $40,000 provide health insurance. But pay levels in Brown's agency are above that cutoff. ___ Name: Robert Hansen Home: Seattle homeless shelter Age: 58 Employment: vendor, Real Change street newspaper. Household income: $12,000, including tips. Coverage: Uninsured. Hansen used to work selling beer and peanuts at Seattle's now-demolished Kingdome. "Age caught up to me, running up and down the stairs, the physical labor," said the 58-year-old Seattle native. Hansen has been homeless since 1994. A top-selling vendor of a weekly newspaper called Real Change, he makes about $1,000 a month. He eats his evening meal and finds a bed at a Catholic Community Services shelter. The tingling in his feet and the occasional purplish color of his hands worry him. It's been so long since he's had a thorough physical exam that he's not sure if his symptoms could mean a serious health problem such as diabetes. He's uninsured and finds care in community clinics and emergency rooms. Hansen and most other poor adults without young children don't qualify for Medicaid, the state-federal program that helps low-income families with health care. The proposals in Congress would expand Medicaid coverage to people such as Hansen. In the leading Senate proposal, people with incomes up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level ($14,404 for an individual in 2009) could enroll in Medicaid. The House bill makes the cutoff 150 percent of the poverty level ($16,245 for an individual in 2009). ___ Name: Carol McKenna Home: Pembroke Pines, Fla. Age: 68 Employment: Retired payroll coordinator Household income: About $39,000 from Social Security and some earnings by husband as mattress salesman. Coverage: Medicare Advantage policy administered by AvMed Health Plans. If McKenna believes the claims of the insurance industry and many Republicans, she and her husband are among the most at risk to be hurt by Congress' health proposals. If Democrats are telling the truth, they will be among those with the most to gain. The 68-year-old retiree refrains from any worry, or any premature celebration. She simply believes, "It'll work out." McKenna and her husband, Morty, who turns 78 on Sunday, are in private Medicare Advantage plans, which many Democrats have called wasteful and which have been made a prime target for major cuts. But Morty McKenna also falls in the coverage gap in Medicare's prescription drug program _ the "doughnut hole" _ that the health bills have promised to close. More than 3 million Medicare beneficiaries a year hit this gap and start paying the full cost of their drugs until they qualify for catastrophic coverage. She said the government must "get rid of the abuses" and that pharmaceutical companies "need to step up and be accountable." For now, though, she's just waiting to see what actually happens. ___ Associated Press writers Matt Sedensky in Miami, Jesse Washington in Philadelphia and Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar in Washington contributed to this report. Recommend Send IM Story Print Related Articles Divided climate talks end with compromise deal AP - 2 hours 20 minutes ago Passengers stranded in Channel Tunnel after cold halts trains AFP - 2 hours 36 minutes ago Eastern US struggles in snowy wonderland AFP - 2 hours 38 minutes ago U.S. East Coast hammered by severe Winter storm Reuters - 2 hours 43 minutes ago Lebanon's Hariri on landmark visit to Syria AFP - 2 hours 54 minutes ago News Search Top Stories Pope decrees beatification of Poland's 'Solidarity chaplain' Pope moves wartime pontiff closer to sainthood 'Avatar' director Cameron gets Hollywood star Attacks on Greek ruling party offices ahead of debt talks Deadlock forces climate talks into overtime More Top Stories » ADVERTISEMENT Most Popular Most Viewed Most Recommended Brazilian confesses to sticking needles into two-year-old 'Avatar' director Cameron gets Hollywood star Tiger's wife Elin seeking divorce: reports Thieves steal infamous Auschwitz death camp sign British borrowing rockets to record high More Most Viewed » Tiger's wife Elin seeking divorce: reports Global stocks mixed amid Dubai debt crisis Tiny magnetic discs could kill cancer cells: study Virgin unveils spaceship to offer space tourism Brazilian confesses to sticking needles into two-year-old More Most Recommended » Elsewhere on Yahoo! Financial news on Yahoo! Finance Stars and latest movies Best travel destinations More on Yahoo! News Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Subscribe to our news feeds Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS » More news feeds | What are news feeds? Also on Yahoo Answers Groups Mail Messenger Mobile Travel Finance Movies Sports Games » All Yahoo! Services Site Highlights Singapore Full Coverage Most Popular Asia Entertainment Photos Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community | Intellectual Property Rights Policy | Help

Other News on Sunday, 20 December 2009
Egypt boosts security at Gaza border after firing
Pope decrees beatification of Poland's 'Solidarity chaplain'
Georgia blows up Soviet memorial, two people killed |
Lebanon's Hariri on landmark visit to Syria
Iran charges detention center jailers with murder |
Pope moves wartime pontiff closer to sainthood
ON THE ROAD WITH MULLEN: Parking concerns in Iraq
Mediator sets deadline for Israel-Hamas swap |
Iran detention centre staff face murder trial: report
Iran, Iraq seek diplomatic end to border dispute
Egypt boosts security at Gaza border after firing |
Iran acknowledges prisoners were beaten to death
Italian couple kidnapped in Mauritania |
Reward offered for Auschwitz death camp sign |
Pakistan govt: Ministers who lost amnesty to stay
Cambodia deports 20 Uighurs back to China
Blizzard-like storm slams East, region snowed in
New Afghan Cabinet list draws ire from legislators
Strong quake rattles Taiwan, some damage reported
Hawaii dimmed by education, election, health cuts
Cambodia to expel Uighur asylum-seekers from China
After climber deaths, Oregon faces beacon question
Senate sends big Pentagon budget bill to Obama
India's main opposition party gets new leader
Highlights of Senate wrap-up legislation
Senate Dems reach 60 vote threshold on health bill
What's in health care proposals for 5 Americans
Obama Back In U.S. After Copenhagen Meet, Defends Non-Binding Climate Deal
Delta Cancels Flights To D.C. Due To Snowstorm
Update: Snowstorm To Spoil Largest Christmas Shopping Weekend In East Coast
Tag Heuer To Limit Use Of Woods Image
FDIC Closes 2 California Banks
Winter Storm Blankets Northeast Conditions Begin To Deteriorate
Iraq sends forces to oil well seized by Iran
Eurostar services cancelled after travellers stranded
US-TECH Summary
Iran's top dissident cleric Montazeri dies: report |
Wall Street hesitates in face of new economic realities
Pope moves wartime pontiff closer to sainthood
Small iPhone developer Tapulous sees big success
Iran charges detention centre jailers with murder
Readers Vote Michael Jackson The Biggest Celebrity News Story Of 2009
Cambodia deports Uighurs despite criticism |
Long Beach Youth Club To Honor Warren G With Image Award
Iran troops have made partial withdrawal: Iraq |
SAG Awards Announces Nominees
Mediator "sets deadline" for Israel-Hamas swap
Brazil needle victim recovers, outrage at cruelty |
Katt Williams Sued By Assistant Over Unpaid Wages
Greek PM in unity call as parliament debates crisis budget
Michael Jackson's Estate Executors Ask For Higher Fee
Georgia blows up Soviet memorial, two people killed |
Susan Boyle Earns #1 On Billboard Albums Chart For Third Week
Jay-Z And Alicia Keep Ke$ha From #1 On Billboard Hot 100
Susan Boyle's "Britain's Got Talent" Video Named Most Watched On YouTube For 2009
Judge Bans Courtney Love From Contacting Daughter
FBI Arrests Man Charged With Leaking "Wolverine" Online
Small iPhone developer Tapulous sees big success |
Hynix can spend $2 billion capex in 2010 |
China: Climate talks yielded 'positive' results
At 100, Boy Scouts say they're still `essential'
Reports: Malaysia fighter jet engine stolen
Blizzard blasts eastern US, Washington snowed under
Malaysia opposition make unity pledge to win power
Obama Reiterates Health Reform to Get Insurance Companies Accountable
Myanmar's Suu Kyi party needs new blood: analysts
Evangelical church opens doors fully to gays
In Afghan war, officer flourishes outside the box
What's in health care proposals for 5 Americans
Weather forecast for the Asia-Pacific region
Facing prison, Astor's son bares private life
Thousands of Taiwanese protest China envoy's visit
Too cold for nude protest, NYC bikers switch gears
Cambodia deports Uighurs despite criticism
Asylum seekers leave Indonesia: official
Lockerbie bomber Megrahi's health deteriorates
Five missing after boat sinks off S.Korea
Against nudity ban, Ore. gallery takes it all off
Hyundai Motor announces China truck venture
Airlines eye 'contact-less' travel
Hospital's pursuit of Indonesian creates folk hero
Report: Kevin Jonas, ex-hairdresser marry in NY
Lil Wayne's Texas concert on after checkpoint stop
Chinese-sculpted winter wonderland in Washington
Swedish jeans 'Made in North Korea' go on sale
India hosts its first ever transsexual beauty pageant
Bolivian student crowned 'Mister International' in Taiwan
Taiwan-China trade pact could boost film industry: report
Thousands hit in second day of Eurostar standstill
Iranian dissident cleric Montazeri dies
Pipeline sabotage halts oil exports from northern Iraq
Karzai says new cabinet to be accountable |
Top Iran dissident cleric Montazeri dies at 87
Iran troops leave oil well, still in Iraq: Dabbagh
Thousands protest in Taiwan over China trade talks |
Iran dissident Grand Ayatollah Montazeri dies
Serbia to launch EU membership bid: PM
Hariri sees new page in Lebanon ties with Syria |
Philippines raises volcano alert as eruption nears |
Berlusconi's popularity rises after attack |
China to try prominent dissident on Wednesday: lawyer |
Mortar shell attacks kills at least 14 in Somalia |
Obama health plan gets boost as deadline looms
Thousands protest in Taiwan over China trade talks
US envoy visits Zelaya at Brazilian embassy
Macau marks a decade of Chinese rule
Major volcanic eruption feared in Philippines
Chinese man's subversion trial to start this week
Myanmar state press says no charter change for now
Maoist protesters clash with police in Nepal
Up to 30,000 in Taiwan anti-China rally ahead of talks
French PM in China for talks to boost trade
Philippines raises volcano alert as eruption nears
Malaysian fighter jet engine stolen from airbase
Asia spending again after financial meltdown
Gas pipeline a symbol of China's power: analysts
Gambling city Macau marks 10 years of Chinese rule
S.Korea, China agree 400-million-dollar auto deal
Spain leads world in organ donations
Pamela Anderson is magic in London panto 'Aladdin'
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph		BlogMeter 1.01